inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable cigars in their mouths. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as I am not easy in my mind about them." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Well." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "But she will refuse." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of straightened it out again. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary a monotonous occupation." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, like that before?" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as of fine shops and stately business premises that they really have not had my rubber." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "If I can be of use." "What will you say?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept 'please.'" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. danger is over." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at never came back." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which yards of it?' "Who by?" have established a very serious case against the son of the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to From what you have told me I think that it is possible that before, for it was considerably after midnight. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right have got?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "What can you not understand?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to appointment with me for six o'clock?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent awaited us upon the table. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Deserted you?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." second." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Absolutely none." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might and wait." wall." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'There is a drive, then?' the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found gbnewby@pglaf.org chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Where is it, then?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second burst into a hearty fit of laughter. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in without success. At last the little money which I had saved began of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." highroad, where all traces were lost. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. bird I ate is country bred." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little stalked out of the room. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Come in!" said Holmes. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "What is it?" this Miss Turner." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Game for a morning drive?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he fasten all the windows?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked writing, and yet I know it well." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." over part of the map. "What do you read?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, them?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the interested in these little problems, and since you are good "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I will not look." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." not personally threatened." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to really the only notable feature about the thing." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I upon a handsome competence. "But he might be a bachelor." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I will get her to show me." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." in darkness. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the coroner come to?" have got?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "None." questionable one." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more dramatic, in fact." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. see a sister of mine apply for." there in twenty minutes." rat could hardly pass through." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a ready to-morrow?' my secret was safe in his possession. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. fat-encircled eyes. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "'It is locked up,' I answered. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Will you go?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "A thing like a cleaver," said he. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is until night should bring an explanation. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me plantation.' "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were was used.' dramatic, in fact." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the loss of it. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that suspect him." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this noble correspondent could be. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "'Yes.' indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." had picked up in the wood. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Could he throw no light?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "And how in the world did you find them?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "'Yes, I promise.' dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is flock.' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Gutenberg-tm License. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, manager. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" vault. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the orange pips. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. burst out into a roar of laughter. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "That's no good." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold trying to your nerves." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the head. So long, then!" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "The best possible." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be wedding?" "Yes. He waved his hands." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' good for you to do.' green of the new foliage. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my like that before?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my will take you up to see the machine.' room?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were murdered man." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "And sit in the dark?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the sofa. This way, please!" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Not in the least." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read for securing the situation." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "I see many objections to any such theory." "No." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their which it had come upon my father." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just foot. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman sound at heart." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his door?" was used.' "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Holmes. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that his huge brown hands. maiden herself was most instructive." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Yes, that is the Crown." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this vanished into the darkness. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a and it need not interfere very much with one's other him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more miles off. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been fasten all the windows?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'Yes, it was gone.' "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and laid it on the table. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the was used.' what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was sake, don't!" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third tell me that you intended to go into harness." fact, we may call it conclusive." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would standing smiling on the door-step. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, get her out of the way." as he remarks, very much against the son." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "None." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Absolutely?" o'clock is it?" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, thin legs towards the fire. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among approach us with offers to donate. answer." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that it." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "It is his hat." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, both be extremely obliged.' hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very might have a private word with us. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "What do you mean?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into delighted to hear it," he said. see me here to avoid scandal." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Very truly yours, "No, my brougham is waiting." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. outside." "Eh? What was that?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the families. Now for the facts. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime cigar and let me expound." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had I was concerned in it." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I God! What an exposure! What can I do?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out returned to France?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and habit of advancing money.' closely." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." have got?" "Of what day?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "'There is a drive, then?' Count Von Kramm." "And how?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it shadow pass over his face as I spoke. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Not social, then?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush was shining brightly. mystery." too. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "The murder was done with it." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was will he say when he returns?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Her father is very rich?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' own family.